Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Do all French men carry big baguettes?

Do all French men carry big baguettes? Or is it just the cyclists? If I hadn't been so well brought up, I might be pondering this question as we complete our ten-day cycle ride through the Pyrenees tracing some of the Tour de France.

Consider the Tour de France statues along the roads. Not to put too fine a point on it - but even allowing for the fullness of the chamois, is there some patriotic rounding out where the bicycle shorts should be? Standing at the top of the Col de Tourmalet and viewing the most famous statue, the woman next to me was heard to exclaim: "Alors, that bloke is so well endowed!"

Part of my searching philosophical queries were answered when we visited the thermal baths in Luchon. All male visitors were forced to wear brief black Speedos. If I hadn't been so well brought up I would have been able to confirm, gentle readers, that French men are mere mortals. Oui! OK guys, no excuses about shrinkage - you are in a thermal bath.

I would have also noted (if I hadn't been so well brought up) that French male cyclists wear perilously thin lycra shorts. One must always focus on their reflective glasses. It's too disconcerting to do otherwise. So still no conclusive evidence about the French cyclists. Maybe we should both watch the Tour de France and we can confer on Thursday when I return.

Oh my. Because of your post and the one I just posted (and you must visit because I talked about you), I recall a male college teacher who wore rather tight fitting white trousers in the warmer months. He was not particularly concerned about perilously thin fabrics.

Jody I think you need to be added as a Tour de France sports commentator tout suite! This is the kind of keen insight that would make many more women faithful biking enthusiasts-I know I would tune in to see you! Hope you had a wonderful time and of course hoping to see photos where you are showing off your perfectly toned thighs etc. Hope you have a relaxing weekend back home!

Oh my. Once again I give you the award for making me laugh loudest today! My husband is a keen cyclist and we've discovered that red is the colour of cycling lycra for him and his baguette to avoid...it's just toooooo distracting ;) and yes, we're obsessively watching the Tour in our house. I shall be sniggering the next time it's on, thinking of this post, and my husband will wonder why.

I have NO IDEA about what you mean Jody.......my mind is still trying to erase images of men wearing budgie smugglers on the beach in Paxos....eeeugh. p.s. how fantastic your trip sounds...albeit a little too sporty for me..no wonder you are in great shape..you go girl!